The James Weldon Johnson Family YMCA celebrated the grand opening of its $3.5 million, 4,000 square foot branch expansion. Joined by donors, board members and community leaders, the Johnson Y revealed its all new teen center, KidZone, swimming pool and splash pad to over 100 community members.

“The Johnson Family Y has been a lifeline for Jacksonville’s Northside community for over 50 years,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast President and CEO Eric K. Mann. “We are so grateful to our generous donors for making this expansion possible as we continue to support our neighbors.”

Unique to the area, the brand-new teen center will provide neighborhood students will essential resources to reach their full potential. The teen center has a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) laboratory, teaching kitchen, computer lab, recording studio and gaming area.

“The Johnson Y offers the only teen program for children ages 14 and up in the community,” said Dr. Irvin Cohen, the executive director of the Johnson Family YMCA. “We are also thrilled to be opening a larger pool and splash pad for kids and adults to enjoy this summer. With a larger facility, we are able to expand our programming and services to reach even more community members both inside this building and out.”

The brand-new swimming pool officially opened for the summer on May 4, allowing the Johnson Y to deliver the Y’s signature Safety Around Water drowning prevention program.

For more information about the Johnson Family YMCA, please visit fcymca.org.